- Set a date and time when you can devote your full time to the event and for gathering up sale articles.

- Plan just what you’re going to put in the sale, if you are going to have the sale alone, or with two to five more families.

- Have plenty of change on hand -- both coins and paper money.

- Advertise. Be specific, concise and honest. State the place, date and hours. If you run your ad one day only, have it in the Thursday newspaper.

- The best days for your sale are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sundays are usually a waste of time unless you’re staying at home all day doing nothing anyway.

- Antiques go over big regardless of state of repair or condition. Give good descriptive details to save disappointments.

- Capitalize on the season. For example, feature luggage at going-away to school or vacation time.

- Have a large quantity of items to sell, and don’t be afraid to drag out outgrown items, old dishes, two-of-a-kind items you don’t really need, and generally “clean house.”

- String up a clothesline to display clothing. Children’s clothing goes over best, especially about the time for school to start in the fall.

- Set up card tables or table tennis tables to display small merchandise. Place tables so there’s room for shoppers to browse. Display your wares attractively. Be sure they are clean, usable and priced temptingly.

- People look for bargains. Don’t disappoint them.

- Take advantage of the space under the tables if you need more display room.

- You will save yourself a lot of time answering questions if you show a price on all merchandise.

- Be sure you have electrical outlets nearby to plug in toasters, blenders, electric skillets, irons, hair dryers, electric razors, etc., to show people that your articles do work.

- If you have any fragile, rare or expensive items such as crystal, cut glass or jewelry, be sure they are displayed on a sturdy table and up high out of reach of kiddies.

- Drinking glasses, dishes, cups will sell faster if you price them in sets of 6 for $1 instead of 15 cents each.

Source: IFG Inc.

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